With our eternal struggle not to give up on our dreams and just work at a fast-food establishment, it might seem odd that we spend many of our hard-earned quarters making burgers. But that's the truth. Barcade Jersey City, the latest outpost of the craft-beer-and-video-game conglomerate (they're spreading to Philly next), has not only more games than its Williamsburg forebear, but it also has the best game: Burgertime. The 1982 deep-fried take off of Pac-Man features a stressed-out chef who has to run over the components of his meaty grilled sandwich in order to get them to fall in place (on someone's food tray, we think), only to be foiled by angry hot dogs. The chef, Peter Pepper, can momentarily stun those wieners by shaking salt at them. It's brilliant and so addictive that we often neglect to mention the two-dozen rotating craft beers and food that is downright gourmet for a bar, the Nutella and bacon sandwich being just one of Barcade's many fast-food-related pleasures. 163 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, 201-332-4555 (07302); 388 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-302-6464 (11211); barcadejerseycity.com

Always ahead of the pack, Lara Fieldbinder knows what hip ladies want to wear even before they do. She stocks her Smith Street boutique, Dear Fieldbinder, with an eclectic mix of established designers (Twinkle, Lauren Moffatt) and daring up-and-comers (Margarita Saplala, Maurie & Eve), as well as cute pieces from her own DF label. And, unlike many other boutiques that carry mostly high-end labels such as Alexander Wang and 3.1 Phillip Lim, Dear Fieldbinder has plenty of affordable brands, such as Funktional and Motel Rocks, making shopping a relatively guilt-free experience. On a recent visit, we found a skull necklace by L.A.–based jewelry designer Vanessa Mooney for $31, the perfect black maxi skirt for fall by Aiko for $118, and an open-back cropped tunic by Grey Antics for $99. In other words, prepare to step into your dream closet. 198 Smith Street, Brooklyn, 718-852-3620, dearfieldbinder.com (11201)

Who likes to iron? Nobody. Which is why Steven Alan's signature rumpled look wins us over time and again. Since opening his first eponymous shop in Soho in 1994, Alan, a native New Yorker, has steadily expanded his empire with boutiques scattered across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and East Hampton as well as three stores in Los Angeles. His famous relaxed-fit button-downs, which come with reverse seams and twisted plackets, are perfect for the guy who wants to look fashionable without appearing as if he tried too hard. Alan also makes great skinny ties, comfortable trousers, casual jackets, duffle bags, vintage-inspired scarves—you name it. And everything proudly comes with the Made in the U.S.A. label. The shop also stocks top brands for men, such as Engineered Garments and Woolrich Woolen Mills, and a killer selection of vintage Rolexes. For the dude who hates to shop, a major plus is the friendly, knowledgeable staff, who direct their customers to the right fit and style. The store also offers excellent sample sales twice a year that are a must for great deals. And guys, Alan also has an excellent line for women—you know, just in case you want to buy something for your lady. 103 Franklin Street, 212-343-0692, go to stevenalan.com for more locations (10013)

We know some salons today can be a bit gimmicky—they're more interested in selling their brands than the service. Blackstones does the same thing on its website, which seems to double as a video game with multi-clickable options. But don't let that stop you from booking an appointment at this East Village salon. The stylists are obviously the main draw, led by owner Joey Silvestera, a taxidermist-turned-hairdresser. (A-ha! Now the deer and bear heads mounted on the wall make sense.) He has an impressive team of hipster hair-doers, cutely clothed with the locks to match. Instead of taking in a picture of Jennifer Aniston in order to emulate her latest hair craze, you'll want to look just like these lovely hair-cutters. Silvestera also launched his own line of hair products, which work perfectly to complement your new look. 19 East 7th Street, 212-353-2680, blackstonesnyc.net (10003)

When Giorgio Zocco (a/k/a Sal the Barber) died last year, it was feared that his Sal's Barbershop, a Carroll Gardens institution for more than three decades, would be lost forever. Enter television producer Steve Marks, who fell in love with all the old-school charm (such as the shop's classic red chairs, striped barber's pole, and—the pièce de résistance—a mural of a tropical coastline). With the blessings of the Zocco family, Marks kept most of it intact, lending a retro feel to his barbershop, Persons of Interest. Grab a complimentary Brooklyn Lager and have a seat in one of those red chairs to get a first-rate cut from one of the shop's stylish barbers. Although Sal's nice price of $20 for a haircut is gone, the cost is still reasonable: Haircuts are now $40, or treat yourself right and get the Combo Platter: a shave and a haircut for $75. 299 Smith Street, Brooklyn, 718-858-5300, personsofinterestbklyn.com (11231)

Since starting her business out of her Lower East Side apartment in 2005, jewelry designer Erica Weiner has quickly become the lady to seek out for vintage-inspired treasures at the most affordable prices. Her devoted fans rejoiced last fall when she opened her first brick-and-mortar shop, an intimate space in Nolita where antique wooden furnishings nicely complement her eclectic mix of vintage pieces and hand-cast reproductions of jewelry she has found on her travels to estate sales, auction houses, and flea markets in the U.S. and Europe. If you're looking for a gift, it's easy to find something to match anyone's style: Your utilitarian friend will appreciate the functionality of a vintage bottle opener on a chain ($100–$170); the hopeless romantic will cherish a brass forget-me-not ring made from a 19th-century Scottish wax seal ($80); and the nature-lover will adore a pair of dainty 1970s butterfly earrings ($25). About to tie the knot? The shop specializes in antique engagement and wedding rings for women and men, starting at the nice price of $110 for a Herkimer diamond solitaire. To that, we say, "I do!" 173 Elizabeth Street, 212-334-6383, ericaweiner.com (10012)